WEYMOUTH, Mass. − It’s the day before Thanksgiving, and even though Larry Cole allowed himself an extra half-hour of sleep, he is still among the first to head outside for his morning exercise.

“I’m a bit late this morning,” he remarks as he jogs around a corner and briefly stops at the clubhouse in his retirement community before leaving again at 9 a.m. The days leading up to the holiday have been particularly hectic.

As he jogs at a leisurely yet consistent pace down the street, many might not realize that this active gentleman, now 91, regularly participates in local road races and competitions on Cape Cod.

He has successfully completed nine marathons, three of which were in Boston, along with two Marine Corps Marathons. He particularly enjoys running at the site of the old South Weymouth Naval Air Station, where wide roads and bike lanes create a pleasant running environment.

The only sign of his age is perhaps a subtle forward lean. He wears a back brace under his running gear and occasionally uses a cane for support when he transitions to a walk.

Larry Cole was the oldest finisher in the Boston Marathon at age 85

A few of his neighbors at the Union Point community have come together to encourage him ahead of his next charity race in Dennis, Massachusetts. Cole is involved with both the New England 65 Plus Runners Club and the Cape Cod Athletic Club.

In 2019, at 85 years old, he became the oldest finisher in the Boston Marathon. The previous year, he was honored as co-grand marshal of the race, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 1918 Boston Marathon during World War I. (The selection of grand marshals was based on their military service, and Cole had served in the Army during the Korean War.)

Cole is well-respected in his community, known not only for his athleticism but also for his friendly demeanor, civic engagement, and love of India pale ales, or IPAs. He enjoys organizing outings to local craft beer breweries, including events called Suds for Seniors.

“Larry has a genuine love for life and an energetic spirit that enables him to connect with people who are much younger,” said his running partner John Goldrosen, 74. “He brings so much joy to those around him.”

Cole relocated to Weymouth in the South Shore area of Massachusetts during the pandemic in 2020, moving from Cape Cod, where he had served as a selectman in Harwich. Following the passing of his wife Loretta in 2009, he found their house too large and decided to downsize.

Having retired in 1997 after a career in economics, Cole is currently a member of the finance committee in his retirement community and conducts lectures on foreign policy for residents who have affectionately dubbed him their “go-to person.”

“Larry Cole is a well-rounded Renaissance man,” stated fellow resident Rosella Cicchese. “He sets a high standard for all of us.”

Health challenges haven’t stopped Larry Cole

Cole also impresses many with his resilience in facing various health challenges.

He has continued to run through painful bursitis in his right hip and osteoarthritis in his lower back, managing an irregular heartbeat and having undergone three pacemaker surgeries. In 2015, he completed six weeks of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. (Just days after finishing that treatment, he participated in a 5-mile race.)

In 2020, he had a hip replacement, which left him with a limp while walking but not when he runs.

“Nothing can slow him down; he truly is an extraordinary individual,” Walsh commented.

Most recently, he dislocated his shoulder while stretching on November 2, but after the shoulder was reset, he continued running, using a sling for a week. He did make one exception—the 7-mile Falmouth in the Fall race was the day after his fall, and he opted to walk that event with his cane.

“It took me only a little longer than if I had actually run it,” he shared.

His life story perfectly illustrates perseverance and the exploration of new experiences. Though he began running in high school at Vermont Academy in 1951, he didn’t run his first marathon until he was 73 in 2006, when asked to represent the American Stroke Association. (His wife, Loretta, survived a stroke at 56 in 1987, motivating them to become active with the organization.) He played old-timer’s ice hockey up until he was 81.

He loves the post-race celebrations

Joyce Haglund of Quincy, a former community manager, holds Cole in high regard as someone who shows that age is not an obstacle, even if it may slow him down at times.

“Larry is not only smart and humorous, but he is also a great companion,” Haglund said. “He is a devoted runner, although I think he often enjoys the post-race microbrew more than the race itself. He truly is one in a million.”

Cole’s philosophy on life underscores the advantages of fostering connections with others in later years.

“I still appreciate the races,” he stated, “but the post-race gatherings with friends have become a cornerstone of my social engagements. I particularly look for races that include a celebration with beer afterward.”

His parents always encouraged him: ‘Complete what you begin’

Neighbor Bette Hanian described Cole as “driven,” noting that he keeps participating in races even in his 90s.

When asked about the significance of running in his life, Cole reminisced about his childhood in Keene, New Hampshire, stating that he has always been passionate about sports and began running at a young age.

“My parents were active in the community and always motivated me to try new things and to see them through to the end,” he shared.

After 73 years of running, he shows no signs of stopping. Just last Saturday, he completed a Thanksgiving road race, finishing 292nd out of 414 participants.

Contact Sue Scheible at sscheible@patriotledger.com.